Replace a G tank or seat to an L?

[Henry McCann]

I like the G looks, the bigger tank and flatter seat over the smaller L tank and stepped seat. Can I switch seat and tank? Are there any other gas tanks or seat options that people have done with an L? I have the the possibility of buying an 850L in excellent condition for about $1200 dollars. Good tires and running well. The L is fine but I've been watching for a G.
Thanks in advance.

 

[Suzukian]

Those parts if I recall don't fit over. The mounting points are different. I'd go for the G model. The "L's" were wanna be choppers. The "G's" handled a better and were more comfortable. A better looking bike, though I guess that's really subjective. The "L" models look better if you put flat bars on them with small risers. I ran a Suzuki parts department, and that was the main mod we did at the time, as people came to detest the handlebars. Aftermarket seats too, but they all had that step.

 

[Jedz123]

Frames are indeed different. The L frames are not as stout and won't accommodate G tanks or seats.

 

[rphillips]

Just my opinion, if you're not an "L" type guy, you will probably not be happy with an "L". You may be satisfied because of the cheaper price, but happy? probably not.... Many want to make the same changes you're asking about, but with little luck.

 

[Henry McCann]

Thank you! Just the information I needed. I just don't see many Suzuki's of that era here in Montana that someone with a sawzall hasn't butchered. And the L was Montana close, about 2 hours away from me. Thanks again and I'll keep looking for a G.

 

[rphillips]

No clue your situation?? Possibly this would work till a "G" or "E" is found, then resell the "L", for little or no loss.. You never know, the "L" may suit you fine if you give it a chance.... Oh yeah, Welcome to the GSR.

 

[Henry McCann]

rphillips that is another idea to think about. Thanks for the welcome!

 

[Burque73]

I like the G looks, the bigger tank and flatter seat over the smaller L tank and stepped seat. Can I switch seat and tank? Are there any other gas tanks or seat options that people have done with an L? I have the the possibility of buying an 850L in excellent condition for about $1200 dollars. Good tires and running well. The L is fine but I've been watching for a G.
Thanks in advance.

Here's some good reading for you on the De-L mods.

https://www.thegsresources.com/_for...rums/appearance/90289-show-me-your-de-led-gls

One in particular stands out. Check out the GS550L from rkroby (in that thread.)



I always thought the engineers kept the rake and trail exactly the same on the L and the G, so there wasn't any difference in handling. Maybe a slightly different gear ratio in the pumpkin and a smaller rear wheel made it feel like it handled differently? Personally, I liked the lower seat height on the 1100GL I had, but that's about the only L feature I liked. At that time several G models popped up around here so I jumped on one and sold the L.

Good luck in your search.​

 

[Henry McCann]

Burque73...Thanks for the link. It was interesting reading. The 550L conversion really stands out,

 

[bwringer]

I always thought the engineers kept the rake and trail exactly the same on the L and the G, so there wasn't any difference in handling. Maybe a slightly different gear ratio in the pumpkin and a smaller rear wheel made it feel like it handled differently?

Correct; despite the oft-repeated legends, there is zero difference in handling capabilities or geometry.

Source: me riding my G and a couple of GLs that belong to friends back to back, and pushing them fairly hard.

They do feel somewhat different because the seating position is different on the "L" model, and you're more or less locked into one place by the stepped seat. The advantages, of course, are less of a reach to the pegs and to the ground, so folks who are shorter than average might prefer the L. The stock handlebars on both the G and GL were evil abominations, so you have to factor that into evaluating the ergos and handling as well. The handlebars have pretty much all been changed, because the bikes are literally intolerable otherwise.

The other very minor difference is that most GL models used a 16" rear wheel, while the G used a 16" rear wheel. This gave very slightly better acceleration in lower gears. Also, in some GL engines, there was a one tooth difference in the fifth gear, and so RPM in fifth gear ended up almost the same. Source: there's a GL engine in my G. I noticed that RPM on the highway was slightly lower after the transplant, and did a lot of research in the fiches.

To sum up: with the usual necessary suspension upgrades (fresh shocks and fork springs at minimum), and allowing for the ergonomic differences, the G and GL models handle identically. Cornering clearance is identical, and as stated, despite the different forks, the frame angles are managed such that the rake and trail end up the same.

Also, bear in mind that Suzuki was the first to really figure out frame geometry; despite their high weight, the G and GL models handle superbly, far better than they have any right to.

Or rather, they CAN handle far better than expected. In bone-stock form, with bouncy, worn-out stock shocks, super-soft fork springs, and evil handlebars, they're as terrible as any other old neglected bike. Same goes for the brakes; with fresh, clean stock calipers and master cylinder, decent new pads, and stainless lines, the stock brakes are actually pretty impressive for the early '80s, and perfectly workable and safe for modern riding.

For whatever reasons, the GL models sold a lot better back in the disco/post-disco era. These days, of course, the more timeless styling of the G model is preferred, but there are a lot more GLs lying around. All else being equal, they can and do function exactly the same, but there are important ergonomic differences you need to bear in mind.

As far as the chain drive "L" and "E" models, I don't have firsthand experience with comparing them back to back, so I'll defer to anyone who does have such experience. But I would guess that the situation is pretty much the same.

 

[Henry McCann]

bwringer...Very informative. Thanks much for taking the time to write and post this. This gives me some serious food for thought. Again thank you!

 

[Henry McCann]

bwringer...what are the usual handlebar replacements for an L? Thank you! I'll be searching in the threads also.

 

[bwringer]

bwringer...what are the usual handlebar replacements for an L? Thank you! I'll be searching in the threads also.

It kinda depends on your physical resemblance to an orangutan...

It's entirely individual and you'll likely need to try a few different options. "Daytona" and "Superbike" bends are popular, IIRC.

There are tons of choices out there in 7/8" bars -- if you ponder the photos of the Bikemaster brand, they're set up similarly and you can see the differences.
https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle-...=featured&fit=

Perhaps some GL owners can check in with height, orangutan-ness, and the bend they chose.

 

[Guest]

Hello
My first post. Not sure if this is the place to do it but here goes. I am going Monday to buy a 1980 1100 L. Looks to be in showroom condition. 17000 miles. $2800
Does this sound like a reasonable price.
Thanks

 

[Rich82GS750TZ]

Hello
My first post. Not sure if this is the place to do it but here goes. I am going Monday to buy a 1980 1100 L. Looks to be in showroom condition. 17000 miles. $2800
Does this sound like a reasonable price.
Thanks

Welcome. and No, this is not the place to do this.

Go to the GS Owners Forum - https://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/forum/featured-forums/gs-owners

and create a New Topic there. Write your introduction.​

 

[Suzukian]

16" rear wheel, different rake caused by longer forks, is the axle in front of, in line with, or behind the lower fork legs? This offset has to do with steering geometry. These bikes do not handle the same. Their frame geometry is different. I've sold many of these bikes, riding the "L" models next to the standard, and could not ever fathom owning a "L" series Suzuki. It's more than looks that keep their prices depressed. Also, you'll never get a standard tank and seat onto a "L" model. You'll come to despise the bike, then motorcycles in general. The engines are fine, That's about it. Just trying to keep it real. We took in the minimum required by Suzuki on those bikes because we couldn't give them away. I put flat bars with 4" risers on many of those bikes. You had to change out the throttle and clutch cables. They were too long. You sometimes get away with the brake hoses with careful rerouting of them. We would take off the awful sissy bar, and that gave the bike a more civilized look, but still, the die hard bikers know you're trying to pass. If you just drive straight up and never lean, it may not be an issue, and the cosmetics I pointed out will make the bike feel tighter as the handlebars will be stiffer.

 

[Who Dat?]

16" rear wheel, different rake caused by longer forks, is the axle in front of, in line with, or behind the lower fork legs? This offset has to do with steering geometry. These bikes do not handle the same. Their frame geometry is different. I've sold many of these bikes, riding the "L" models next to the standard, and could not ever fathom owning a "L" series Suzuki. It's more than looks that keep their prices depressed. Also, you'll never get a standard tank and seat onto a "L" model. You'll come to despise the bike, then motorcycles in general. The engines are fine, That's about it. Just trying to keep it real. We took in the minimum required by Suzuki on those bikes because we couldn't give them away. I put flat bars with 4" risers on many of those bikes. You had to change out the throttle and clutch cables. They were too long. You sometimes get away with the brake hoses with careful rerouting of them. We would take off the awful sissy bar, and that gave the bike a more civilized look, but still, the die hard bikers know you're trying to pass. If you just drive straight up and never lean, it may not be an issue, and the cosmetics I pointed out will make the bike feel tighter as the handlebars will be stiffer.

Interesting to compare that with bwringer's post #10.

Most Ls did have 16" wheels, but not all. The '80 850GL and 1000GL both had 17" rears.

Yes, the forks were a bit longer, but the distance from the axle to the top was identical, so there was no meaningful difference.

No Suzuki left the factory with the axle behind the forks. And, on the bikes with leading axles, the triples were offset toward the back, leaving the axle in exactly the same place. Same rake, same trail, same wheelbase.

Just for the record, the '80 and '81 1100E and 750E came with leading-axle forks. There were no complaints about how they handled.

The two bikes (L and non-L) DO handle remarkably similarly. It's just the awful ergonomics of the Ls that makes them feel so different.

 

[Suzukian]

The axle position has to do with the diameter of the front tire(rim) and the offset from that centerline to the centerline of the steering stem. The bigger the offset, the more likely the bigger the front wheel. Look it up. Many websites explain this. I used to design bicycles and trikes from scratch and had to learn all that crap.

 

[eil]

My first bike was a GS850GL but before I sold it, I bought a GS850G and got to compare the two. With proper handlebars, the L and the G handle _almost_ the same. The main difference is that the L seat is slightly lower which gives the bike+rider combo a lower center of gravity, something I actually preferred. I used to ride that L model much more aggressively than I ride the G. Partly because the L model was in fine mechanical condition but _looked_ like an old worn-out bike. Rusty chrome, poor paint, ripped seat, etc. It's nice to have a looker now and I'm sure the G's limits are far beyond my riding skills, but I am just not as comfortable pushing it as I was the L.

When I get a bigger garage someday, I need to find another bike or two that I can just hoon around on without worrying too much.

 

[Mr.humbucker]

A few years back I picked up an 82 GS550L cheap and converted it to a GS550T model cosmetically: side covers, fenders, seat ( with a few mods). It looked great but rode like crap ... I put a set handle bars on it that were a wee bit wider than the stock GS550T bars ... it steered uncomfortable or awkwardly. I attributed the poor steering/handling to the frame/front axle off set fork configuration. Still it looked great
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